Fascinating Istanbul

Some of my favourite things do to in İstanbul

By Ozlem Warren on February 24, 2026 in Fascinating Istanbul, ISTANBUL cookery book, Travels, Turkish cookery book, Turkish Street Food 0

I am often asked to recommend places to visit in İstanbul. It is a fascinating city with so much to see and enjoy, not least the captivating historical sites of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern (one of my personal favourites). If you enjoy modern art, İstanbul Modern is well worth a visit. Whatever you decide to do, may I suggest you don’t overcrowd your days and take some time to relax – perhaps with a cup of Turkish coffee – so you can watch İstanbul unfold in front of you. I have recently returned from İstanbul, it was special to visit this magical city with my son, and seeing family. There were much excitement too, as I took a sample copy of my cookery book ISTANBUL, Delicious recipes from the heart of the city, to show family. Here are some of my favourite things to experience in the Queen of the cities.

Some of my favourite eateries For the ultimate ocakbaşı-style kebab and meze experience, look no further than Zübeyir Ocakbaşı. For delicious regional specialties, I head to Sinem Özler’s Seraf Vadi and Musa Dağdeviren’s Çiya Sofrası. For traditional Turkish specialties, Karaköy Lokantası and Borsa Restaurants are amongst my favourites places to eat in İstanbul. Sahrap Soysal’s Sahrap’ın Ev Yemekleri restaurant in the international departures section of İstanbul Airport also serves delicious food with traditional Turkish flavours. The original Sultanahmet koftecisi (Selim Usta) in Sultanahmet is wonderful too, with succulent kofte and bean piyaz salad.

I love our Turkish breakfast, Kahvalti – every neighbourhood offers our favourite meal. Namli in Karakoy, Sade Kahve in Rumeli Hisari, amongst my favourite spots. You would be happy to know that Menemen and Sigara boregi are included at my new cookbook ISTANBUL too.

Eat like a local at an esnaf lokantası In the past, these humble yet iconic institutions provided the working men of İstanbul with affordable, nourishing, home-style meals, though today they are enjoyed by everyone. Great value, they are some of my favourite eateries. I love the delightful Makbule Hanım Lokantası in Mahmutbey. Balkan Lokantası in Besiktaş and Lades in Beyoğlu were regular hangouts of my dear father, Orhan – I’m grateful to have enjoyed countless Süzme Mercimek Çorbası at these places with him.

Spices, nuts, Turkish Delight Mısır Çarşısı, İstanbul’s historic, vibrant Spice Market, is a must-see, Malatya Pazari there offers fresh nuts, Turkish delights and spices. Erdem Bey Kuruyemiş in Beşiktaş, and Koz İstanbul Kuruyemiş in Kadıköy, are wonderful choices too for nuts and dried fruit. Kuru Kahveci Mehmet Efendi Turkish coffee shop at the entrance of Spice Market is lovely to visit and get Turkish coffee.

Bosphorus boat tour The Bosphorus is the lifeline of the city, connecting the European and Asian sides of İstanbul. I highly recommend taking either a scenic boat trip along the strait or using the vapur (local ferries) to cruise between the two sides. You can also hop on and off from vapur to enjoy delicacies in each district, for instance the famous, creamy yoghurt in Kanlıca.

Enjoy sokak yemekleri (street food) There is a vibrant street food scene in İstanbul offering huge variety, so indulge yourself by sampling Simit, Açma, Gözleme , Balık Ekmek, Lokma and Köz Mısır, as well as the freshest of juices, pickles and more, just as the locals do; all these recipes are included at my cookery book ISTANBUL too.

Discover multicultural İstanbul Known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, the Kurtuluş district (formerly known as Tatavla) was historically a prominent Greek Orthodox and Armenian neighbourhood, has a strong Orthodox Greek and Armenian patisserie culture, and is also home to a few kosher bakeries. Here you can enjoy Paskalya Çöreği at Üstün Palmie Pastanesi, Borekitas at Kurtuluş Pastanesi and Armenian specialties such as Topik and midye dolma at Marinee and Mezme restaurants. For Sephardic Jewish specialties such as borekitas, head to Büyükada Pastanesi in Big Island. And if you have a spare day, I recommend visiting the beautiful, multicultural Princes’ Islands, which are a very pleasant hour’s ferry trip away from İstanbul.

Strolling through delightful Arnavutkoy with my son.

Use public transport İstanbul has an efficient public transport system – Metro (subway), buses, trams and ferries – which I use all the time. It offers good value and means you avoid the traffic. The city is best discovered, though, by walking – go off the beaten track to check out local neighbourhoods.

Visit the city’s pazar (farmers’ markets) Almost every neighbourhood has one, showcasing a huge variety of seasonal produce, including dried fruits, olives and nuts, as well as textiles and so much more. The pazar are the heartbeat of their neighbourhoods and a great way to observe and be a part of local life. Whenever I go to one, I always make time to have a bite of gözleme, accompanied by a glass of çay (Turkish tea), just as I used to do with my dear father, Orhan. 4th Levent Salı pazarı, Fatih Çarsamba pazarı, Besiktaş pazarı and Kadiköy Salı pazarı are among my favourites.

Discover modern İstanbul It is worth taking the Metro (subway) to discover the modern side of İstanbul and observe local life, if you can. I lived in 4th Levent in the modern, European side of the city for more than 15 years, which is a lovely, residential neighbourhood with a gorgeous Tuesday farmers’ market, Salı pazarı. After work, I loved driving to the Arnavutköy and Bebek districts to walk along the Bosphorus with my mother, Gülçin. We would then enjoy a glass of çay (Turkish tea) at Bebek Kahve whilst we watched the world go by. Sade Kahve in Rumehisarı, overlooking the Rumeli Fortress and the Bosphorus, also holds happy memories of having leisurely Turkish breakfasts there with my family.

İstanbul food tour with Culinary Backstreets If you enjoy experiencing local life and eateries off the beaten track, I highly recommend taking an İstanbul food tour with Culinary Backstreets. They offer a unique, in-depth exploration of the city’s culinary scene, showcasing the city’s diverse culinary culture.

Take a hands-on Turkish cookery class It really is special to take a hands-on Turkish cookery class when in İstanbul, learning how to enjoy the abundant seasonal produce and a variety of spices. I love teaching at Cookistan (cookistan.com). They also run their own wonderful cookery classes in their beautiful, friendly studio.

I lived in Istanbul over 15 years and our time with family always meant the most. Revisiting family, places with memories. I hope you make your own special memory in this magical city. For delicious recipes from Istanbul, places to visit, tips , you can order a copy of my cookery book ISTANBUL, here.

My new cookery book-İSTANBUL; Delicious Recipes from the Heart of the City!

By Ozlem Warren on February 11, 2026 in Cakes and Desserts, Fascinating Istanbul, ISTANBUL cookery book, Pasta – Makarna, Pilafs and Rice, Regional Signature Dishes; Mains, Sides and Desserts, Roasts and Kebaps, Salads, Savory Pastries, Seafood, Soups, Travels, Turkish Breakfast, Turkish cookery book, Turkish Street Food 0

ISTANBUL cookery book – Pre-order HERE!

My heart bursts with excitement and pride to share that I wrote a new cookery book, İstanbul; Delicious Recipes from the Heart of the City, to be published in May 2026 worldwide by Quadrille – I cannot wait for you to see this very special book, to take you to a magical culinary journey to my beloved İstanbul. The book now is ready to Pre-order HERE, and we would be very grateful if you can pre-order, as it hugely helps a new book, my sincere thanks in advance.

Breakfast plate from Istanbul cookery book, photo by Sam A Harris

Born and raised in Türkiye, I lived in İstanbul for more than 15 years. I am passionate about this magical city, where I studied, worked and even married my husband, Angus, on the banks of the Bosphorus. This special cookery book, İstanbul, is a result of my years of research, experience and memories of living, enjoying its diverse, multicultural heritage, delicious food and recreating the recipes, in an accessible way so that food lovers all round the world can make at home with ease and relive memories. As the former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, İstanbul has a fascinating culinary heritage. Over the years, many ethnic groups have all made the city their home, each in turn contributing to its cuisine. Hence it was important to me that this book honoured the many different communities that have made the city’s food scene what it is today.

Isanbul landscape, from Istanbul cookery book, by Sam A Harris

Multi-cultural meze spread from Istanbul cookery book, image by Sam A Harris

With easy and flavourful recipes for dishes from the fırın (bakery) to the kahvaltı evi (breakfast houses), ocakbası (fireside), sokak (street), one-pot wonders and more, Istanbul cookery book is a dynamic collection of more than 80 recipes which I aim to take readers on a journey through Istanbul, showing just how delicious and satisfying the city’s food can be, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. Vegetarian readers would be happy to know that over 50 of the recipes are vegetarian, nodding to our bountiful farmers markets, and many are gluten-free or provided options where applicable.

Sigara boregi, cheesy filo rolls from Istanbul cookery book, image by Sam A Harris

Beets with toasted hazelnuts, olives, pul biber oil from Istanbul cookery book, image by Sam A Harris

Cheat’s Lahmacun from Istanbul cookery book, image by Sam A Harris

Expect to find Ottoman classics such as Hünkar Beğendi, rolled vine leaves with sour cherries, Visneli Sarma, breakfast staples Soğanlı Menemen, Acuka dip, Yengen tost, multicultural flavours such as Topik, Borekitas and nutty Çerkez Tavuğu, delicious savoury bakes like crispy Fırında Sigara Böreği, street food classics like Kolay Gözleme, fluffy Açma, Lokma, scrumptious sweets such as Şekerpare, Mozaik Kek, Esnaf lokantası style one pot wonders like Süzme Mercimek Çorbası, Hasan Pasa Kofte, Karides Güvec, regional flavours like home-style Iskender Kebap, Fırında Patlıcan Kebabı, easy Cheat’s Mantı, Easy Lahmacun, vegetarian delights such as Fırın Sebze, Mercimekli Karnıyarık, Barbunya Pilaki, Peynirli Sebzeli Pide, easy mezes, pickles, drinks and so much more. Recipes that will transport you to the fascinating city of İstanbul.

Peynirli, Sebzeli Pide from Istanbul cookery book, image by Sam A Harris

Hunkar Begendi, from Istanbul cookery book, image by Sam A Harris

Yengen toasties from Istanbul cookery book, image by Sam A Harris

It’s been an absolute honour and privilege to write this book. A celebration of İstanbul’s diverse, delicious food, it is my heartfelt tribute to a magical city, one that I love and that has shaped so much of my cooking. I genuinely love every recipe in this book and so excited and proud to share with you all; there is something for everyone here, with stunning photography. Huge thanks to my publisher Quadrille and everyone who touched this beautiful book. I hope it brings you joy and inspiration and transports you to magical Istanbul. Pre-orders are open HERE and we would be very grateful!

My family photo from Istanbul cookery book, image by Sam A Harris

Srumptious sweets such as Sekerpare cookies in Istanbul cookery book too. Image by Sam A Harris

My chilchood favourite Mozaik Cake with dried cherries and pistachios from Istanbul cookery book, image by Sam A Harris

I can’t wait for you to cook from my new book, Istanbul! We would be grateful if you can pre-order HERE, as it helps new books so much (you only pay when it is delivered at lowest price). Cok teşekkür ederim, afiyetler olsun,

Özlem xxx

ISTANBUL cookery book – Pre-order HERE!

A special visit to Istanbul and Turkish Festive Meal Ideas

By Ozlem Warren on December 18, 2017 in Fascinating Istanbul, Ozlem’s Turkish Table Cookery Book, Regional Signature Dishes; Mains, Sides and Desserts 10

Merhaba dear All,

Showing my mother, Gulcin, the final proofs of my cookery book, Ozlem’s Turkish Table, Recipes from my Homeland

I had a flying but a very special visit back home, to Istanbul last week; mainly to spend some quality time with my parents and family, every minute of it was precious. The trip coincided with finalising my cookery book coming up, Ozlem’s Turkish Table, Recipes from My Homeland. I had a chance to show the final print outs to my parents, it was a special and emotional moment for us all.

Ozlem’s Turkish Table Cookery Book; Contents Page

Ozlem’s Turkish Table cookery book, final proofs!

This special book has been a legacy of my parents, who instilled in us the love of good food, passion for sharing with others and love for our Turkish cuisine. It was a special and proud moment to show them the fruits of our labor; I am over the moon that they loved the book!:) The book pays special tribute to my southern Turkish roots, with my family history, family photos and recipes and really is beautifully made with gorgeous photography by Sian Irvine Food Photography– you will love the vividness of the colors, market photos, beautifully shot photos of each recipes and showcasing thousands of years of culinary heritage of Turkish cuisine. A warm, lovingly made book, also a love letter to my homeland, I can not wait to share with you all.

A still life image from my cookery book, Ozlem’s Turkish Table, by Sian Irvine

My book is on pre-order now and it could make a lovely gift to a food lover. You can pre-order here with 10% off pre-order discount only for this period; please enter the promo code Pre-Order Special before the check out at this link, to apply for 10% discount. Pre-orders will be shipped worldwide (including Turkey) in March, prior the general release of the book in April 2018. It’s a lovingly made, special book and I truly hope you enjoy it and it brings happy memories of my beautiful homeland, Turkey.

Festive Turkish Meal Ideas:

One of the feedback you readers kindly gave for my book has been to include Menu Suggestions in the book. And I kept my promise and included a variety of menus in the book, to help with meal planning; such as Traditional Menu, Vegetarian Menu, Gluten-Free Menu, Mezze based menu, Southern Turkish themed menu, Kebab based menu etc. Inspired by this, I thought to share some Turkish meal ideas with recipes and their beautiful images from my upcoming book, Ozlem’s Turkish Table, Recipes from My Homeland, so you can enjoy with family and friends over the festive season, I hope it inspires to you all.

Ezo Gelin Corba; Spicy lentil and bulgur soup; image from my cookery book, Ozlem’s Turkish Table

We Turks always start our meal with soup, corba, traditionally and I can’t think of a better soup than Ezo Gelin Corbasi, Spicy bulgur and lentil soup to warm us all. So easy to make and dried mint and red pepper flakes flavor this soup so beautifully; you can make a big batch and freeze left overs, one of our firm favourites.

Assortment of boreks, savory pastries with filo, from my book, Ozlem’s Turkish Table

Boreks, savory pastries with fillings are a huge favorite in our home – children love them as well as adults. How about an assortment of boreks for the festive season, like in this image from my cookery book? Traybake Spinach and cheese filo pastry, Ispanakli Borek, Traybake filo pastry with ground/minced meat, Kiymali Borek or filo triangles with cheese and spinach or parsley, Muska boregi, would all be great crowd pleasers.

Potato and bulgur patties with pomegranate molasses, from my cookery book, Ozlem’s Turkish Table

I will definitely be making these scrumptious Potato and Bulgur Patties, served with pomegranate molasses, during the festive season. They are so easy to make and absolutely delicious; pungent cumin and red pepper flakes flavor these patties beautifully – you can serve as a side to your mains; they are absolutely lovely when dipped in to pomegranate molasses, nar eksisi – a delicious southern Turkish specialty.

Stuffed aubergines/eggplants – Karniyarik; a delicious main from Ozlem’s Turkish Table

Aubegine/eggplant is king of vegetables at home and Karniyarik, stuffed aubergine/eggplant with minced meat and vegetables always makes an appearance in our festive tables. You can also make Split aubergines/eggplants with vegetables filling, Imam Bayildi, if you prefer the vegetarian option – love them both.

Baked dried apricots with walnuts, from Ozlem’s Turkish Table

There can be quite rich food and indulgence during the festive period and I opt for fruity desserts most of the time. This baked dried apricots with walnuts fits the bill perfectly; healthy, light, easy to make and great for entertaining – also gluten-free.

Turkish coffee, Turk kahvesi, from Ozlem’s Turkish Table

Turkish coffee, Turk kahvesi is a special drink for us – it really is a more than a drink with all its rituals and it is the perfect end to a special meal. Here’s how to make the perfect Turkish coffee.

I truly hope these would give you some ideas to enjoy with family and friends over the festive season. My very best wishes to you all for the festive season and the New Year. It’s been such a pleasure to share delicious Turkish cuisine with you all and more to come in 2018!

Afiyet Olsun,

Ozlem